I've had low back issues as well and completely dropped DLs for nearly a year, and now do mostly hex bar DLs, when I rotate them in. Instead I focused on lower body strength through unilateral work, sled pulls, and GHRs together with core stability/strength work, and hip mobility.
This has all helped tremendously, and guess what - absolutely no drop in strength.
Even if you are planning to compete in powerlifting I'd reconsider jumping right back into DLs. There are plenty of exercises that will minimize spinal loading yet get you strong.
__________________
Working "hard," or the perception of working hard, doesn't really mean anything. Sweating, vomiting, and breathing hard could be a good workout or a tropical disease kicking in.-Dan John
|